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Demo ShapeArray Guide

Modified on: Thu, 2 Nov, 2017 at 10:38 AM

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in the Measurand ShapeArray (SAA).

Measurand's ShapeArray is a flexible, calibrated 3D measuring system. It measures 2D and 3D shape using a compact array of MEMS accelerometers and proven ShapeTape/ShapeRope algorithms. Unlike collections of tilt sensors or arrays of sensors that bend in a single direction, ShapeArrays require no other guides or fixturing.

This kit is provided to facilitate the demonstration of the ShapeArray hardware and how it captures data. The demonstration kit includes two pieces of hardware: a demo ShapeArray and an SAAUSB interface.

Instructions

To get the most out of your demonstration kit, you should download Measurand's software to your computer and physically connect your demo ShapeArray to the computer with the SAAUSB interface provided. Downloading and installing the software takes only seconds. The following steps should be followed in order to accomplish this.

STEP 1. Download and install the SAASuite software. SAASuite is your gateway to Measurand's software offerings. From the SAASuite application, you can download, install, and update all of Measurand's software applications and utilities. This software can be obtained from Measurand's website. More detailed instructions for downloading and installing the SAASuite software can be found in our online guides here.

Figure 1: SAASuite

STEP 2. Once you have SAASuite downloaded and installed, you can download and install the SAARecorder by clicking the Get Software / Calibration Files button near the bottom of the window, shown in Figure 1 above, and then clicking on the Download and Install button next to SAARecorder, shown in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2: SAASuite's Software / Calibration Files download window

As part of the SAARecorder installation, you will be prompted to install device drivers. Click through the FTDIChip CDM Drivers installation wizard, shown in Figure 3 below, by clicking the Extract button, the Next button, and finally the Finish button.

Figure 3: FTDIChip CDM Drivers installation wizard

STEP 3. Once SAARecorder has been installed, you will need to download and install the calibration files. Do this by clicking on the Download and Install button next to Calibration Files, as shown in Figure 2 above.

STEP 4. Physically connect the SAAUSB interface to your computer, the demo ShapeArray, and the included 12V DC power supply. Figure 4 below describes how these connections should be made. Connect A to the ShapeArray, B to the computer, and C to the 12V DC power supply. Plug the power supply into an AC power source.

Figure 4: SAAUSB - Connect A to SAA, B to computer, and C to 12V DC power supply

STEP 5. Start the SAARecorder application and click the Connect SAA button. More detailed instructions for connecting the SAAUSB and starting SAARecorder can be found in our online guides here.

Figure 5: SAARecorder - Startup dialog

STEP 6. In the Connect window, on the Connection tab, ensure that the SAAUSB radio button is selected in the

Connection to SAA section. After a brief period of searching, a Start with found SAAs button should appear with green text. Click this button to continue. Should the button not appear after a brief period, you may need to manually locate your SAA. Detailed instructions for this can be found in our online guides here.

With your basic settings configured, the SAARecorder window should display the absolute shape of your ShapeArray in near real-time as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8: SAARecorder

Troubleshooting

Should you encounter any issues connecting to your ShapeArray, the following troubleshooting steps will resolve most common problems:

Download and install the latest versions of SAASuite, SAARecorder, and the Calibration Files as described in steps 1 through 3 above. When installing SAARecorder, ensure you install the FTDI drivers when prompted.

Check all wiring to ensure solid connections are made between the ShapeArray, the SAAUSB interface, the power supply, and the computer as described in step 4 above. In particular, ensure the SAAUSB has power. The USB port on the computer is NOT sufficient to power the SAAUSB interface and the ShapeArray.